Chinese entrepreneur Cai Lei, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2023, continues to drive international research efforts despite facing a critical personal challenge. Using an eye-tracking device to communicate, the former tech executive leads a dedicated team developing solutions for neurodegenerative diseases.
This year's breakthrough drug Rag-17, designed for ALS patients with specific genetic mutations, offers no direct benefit to Cai due to his unique condition. Yet he remains committed to funding clinical trials and organizing caregiver training programs across Asia. "Every discovery brings us closer to answers," Cai stated through his assistive communication system last week.
Medical experts highlight Cai's unique contribution in bridging research between the Chinese mainland and global institutions. His foundation recently partnered with Seoul National University Hospital to establish Asia's first cross-border ALS patient registry, facilitating real-time data sharing among 17 countries and regions.
